Grading Each Knicks Center at the All-Star Break

The 2016-2017 season has moved along at a rapid pace, and the Knicks have been a massive disappointment in the Eastern Conference. As a team that bulked up in the off-season, all eyes were on New York to see if they could compete for a playoff spot for the first time since 2012-2013. Since that time, the franchise has hit a major snag and will enter the All-Star Break with more questions than answers. 

Wily Hernangomez (pictured) has been an incredible find by the Knicks

In this article, we will grade each center on the Knicks and provide a quick recap for what they have done this year. 

Grades for Guards: HERE

Grades for Forwards: HERE

Joakim Noah

Grade: C- 

- It is hard to believe that Joakim Noah has played in 46 out of the Knicks' 57 total games this year, since it feels like we have barely seen him on the court. After New York signed the nine-year veteran to a $72 million contract this past summer, fans were livid and thought that this would be a horrible deal for the team. It turns out that the fans were right, as Noah has been a disappointment, as he is averaging 5.0 PPG with 8.7 REB in just 22.1 minutes of play. While he is considered an older player nowadays, his reduced playing time has been a direct result of constant foul trouble, which has limited the way that he is utilized on the court. 

Wily Hernangomez

Grade: A-

- Back in October, I predicted that Hernangomez could evolve into a nice role player, but it would take time. It appears that I severely underestimated the 6'11" center, as he is more than ready for NBA competition right now. The 22-year old from Spain has averaged 6.6 PPG and 5.9 REB in just 15.7 minutes of action per contest, and was recently selected to participate alongside his close friend Kristaps Porzingus in the Rising Stars Challenge. Some fans are already beginning to dream about a frontcourt including both Porzingis and Hernangomez, which would be incredibly fun to watch develop. 

Marshall Plumlee

Grade: C

- Plumlee was brought in as an undrafted free agent from Duke University, and has barely seen any time on an NBA court. In just eight games, he has 1.1 PPG and 2.1 REB in 8.1 minutes per contest. The 24-year old has split time between the New York and Westchester Knicks in 2016-2017, and that trend will likely continue unless the team is suddenly hampered with injuries.